Wear 370: WTF
Wtf? (F stands for fug if you're curse-sensitive.) What I am doing? Why do I even WANT to keep blogging? Beware. Blogging existential crisis ahead.
Let me get this out of the way firstly. Tired of the shoe counting thing. It was a thing. It's not doing its thing. I have one hundred and six pairs of shoes. There. Surprise! Oh, plus I just ordered five more pairs. I will order another pair when I can come to terms with my Portland, Oregon-address-morality issues. And then a couple more when I can justify them because I want to try a new brand.
I keep trying things to make me interested in blogging again. Maybe I'm not anymore. It's changed. I've changed. Except that I keep buying things to wear. Using the blog - that I don't - as an excuse. When I started it was just a fun challenge I set myself for the year. I didn't realise 1) How much work it would be, 2) What a strange world it would open me up to. Blogging doesn't, for the most part, seem to be about fun anymore. Now my space where I wore things that were silly, or non-age-appropriate, or an attempt to discern for myself what my style is, is a failure. I'm James-Joyceing here so these things are popping out of my subconscious onto the page—but maybe it's right. Subconsciouses usually are. The question has to be: How do you keep blogging when no one does it for fun, and you don't want to do it for money?
Don't I? Well it seems obvious I don't. 'Why' is maybe a different level of exploration. I like clothes. But I don't like shopping and I don't like brands. I like writing, but it seems from what I see on my Bloglovin' feed that people don't like reading. With a few beloved exceptions, the fashion blogging scene seems to be all about ... no wait for it ... fashion. I know, right? Me: 'Boring'. What did you DO in your Gucci fur-lined loafers? What did the people on the bus-replacement service THINK when you hauled your oversized Demeulemeester onboard and took up three extra seats? How does your incredibly put-together outfit and picture perfect photo shoot in an exotic location make you FEEL? That's what I want to read. I'm obviously in the minority. Life is time-poor and demand-rich. This progression to monitoring your blog is natural and understandable. But it's traveling a road I don't want to be on. So am I still a blogger?
Of course! Anyone who blogs is a blogger. I have been forcing my crisis thoughts on anyone who makes the mistake of sitting still in a close proximity to me. One person suggested that I should write privately if writing is the thing I like about the whole process. It made a liar out of me. I like the little thrill of celebrity that comes with posting pictures and words online. I don't want to stop, but I can't get going. Everything I try to use to drive me comes over false. There is no reason for me to do it. So why can't I let it go. Eh. Blank.
When I stated writing this post I thought I might figure it all out by the end and finish with a pithy platitude about 'going back to basics and doing it for myself'. It doesn't wash. Why do YOU keep going? Am I asking the right people? Probably. Because anyone who has read this far may be more on my side of the fence than I realised—otherwise you would have just looked at the pictures and left.
The Outfit
Dress: Op-shopped (Literary Reference: I call it my Abnegation dress)
Cardigan: Op-shopped
Necklace: Target
postmodern take on being photographed: Fujifilm Instax
Shoes: Irregular Choice Jam Tart
Photographer de Jour: V——
Getting linky today with:
Beautiful Patti at Not Dead Yet Style
Charming Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb
Luxurious Lauren at The Style Elixir
Chic Cherie at Style Nudge
Sensational Sheela at Sheela Writes
Let me get this out of the way firstly. Tired of the shoe counting thing. It was a thing. It's not doing its thing. I have one hundred and six pairs of shoes. There. Surprise! Oh, plus I just ordered five more pairs. I will order another pair when I can come to terms with my Portland, Oregon-address-morality issues. And then a couple more when I can justify them because I want to try a new brand.
I keep trying things to make me interested in blogging again. Maybe I'm not anymore. It's changed. I've changed. Except that I keep buying things to wear. Using the blog - that I don't - as an excuse. When I started it was just a fun challenge I set myself for the year. I didn't realise 1) How much work it would be, 2) What a strange world it would open me up to. Blogging doesn't, for the most part, seem to be about fun anymore. Now my space where I wore things that were silly, or non-age-appropriate, or an attempt to discern for myself what my style is, is a failure. I'm James-Joyceing here so these things are popping out of my subconscious onto the page—but maybe it's right. Subconsciouses usually are. The question has to be: How do you keep blogging when no one does it for fun, and you don't want to do it for money?
Don't I? Well it seems obvious I don't. 'Why' is maybe a different level of exploration. I like clothes. But I don't like shopping and I don't like brands. I like writing, but it seems from what I see on my Bloglovin' feed that people don't like reading. With a few beloved exceptions, the fashion blogging scene seems to be all about ... no wait for it ... fashion. I know, right? Me: 'Boring'. What did you DO in your Gucci fur-lined loafers? What did the people on the bus-replacement service THINK when you hauled your oversized Demeulemeester onboard and took up three extra seats? How does your incredibly put-together outfit and picture perfect photo shoot in an exotic location make you FEEL? That's what I want to read. I'm obviously in the minority. Life is time-poor and demand-rich. This progression to monitoring your blog is natural and understandable. But it's traveling a road I don't want to be on. So am I still a blogger?
Of course! Anyone who blogs is a blogger. I have been forcing my crisis thoughts on anyone who makes the mistake of sitting still in a close proximity to me. One person suggested that I should write privately if writing is the thing I like about the whole process. It made a liar out of me. I like the little thrill of celebrity that comes with posting pictures and words online. I don't want to stop, but I can't get going. Everything I try to use to drive me comes over false. There is no reason for me to do it. So why can't I let it go. Eh. Blank.
When I stated writing this post I thought I might figure it all out by the end and finish with a pithy platitude about 'going back to basics and doing it for myself'. It doesn't wash. Why do YOU keep going? Am I asking the right people? Probably. Because anyone who has read this far may be more on my side of the fence than I realised—otherwise you would have just looked at the pictures and left.
Getting linky today with:
You just do you. Some of my blogger friends just do it as a kind of electronic diary, so they can track landmarks and people. You're a fun and smart writer, I hope you'll continue to publish in some form I can find : > xox
ReplyDeletePatti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Are we all blogged out? Or have we just realized that 99% of people simply only want to look at pretty pictures and click a like button? Instagram is even worse and yet I'm there...trying. It's pathetic.
ReplyDeleteQuirky, bold bloggers that dare to be themselves outside of the narrow scopes of what social media finds acceptable are interesting.
I read blogs because they are unique, they make me laugh, I feel a connection with the person, or they educate me on some level. If it is just to look at another tall slim 20 year old in very expensive clothes that I feel no connection with whatsoever, I'm out.
The idea that I am able to "meet" or get to know someone online that lives on the other side of the world that has a similar sense of humour or almost has as many shoes as me (ahem, cough, cough, yes, I have 136 pairs) is the reason I keep blogging.
I've met up with about ten bloggers in real life that I met online and have developed friendships with them. Of course I'd prefer to meet someone where I live so I can get together more than once a year, but I take what I can get.
I've thought many times about giving up blogging, I don't make money and it takes a huge amount of my time. I wonder if I will regret the amount of time I've devoted to writing about me and my outfits and how utterly vapid the whole concept is. The only reason I keep at it is I enjoy making other people laugh and I appreciate the connections it provides.
You're not alone in your doubts about blogging.
This really helped you out right? Ha.
bisous
Suzanne
OK OK - I admit it! I'm a perenially lazy long-time reader, almost first-time responder of blogs.
ReplyDeleteBut I have always considered the blogger-bloggee relationship to be more tenuous than a simple writer-responder pen-friendship. You see the truth is, I absolutely love reading your blog (& a few select others), but I feel like a complete stalker so I rarely post a reply. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? And then there is also my bloggee insecurity that as I'm basking in the glow of your eloquent thoughts, it dawns on me that anything I may try to add would sound pithy in comparison.
So let me say this: Sorry for not expressing my appreciation for all your awesomeness and Thank You for expressing your awesomeness in the blogosphere.
My hope is that you keep on keeping on!
In return, I will endeavour to walk a mile in one of your 105+ shoes & reply more often to show my appreciation for your hard work!
OK OK - I admit it! I'm a perenially lazy long-time reader, almost first-time responder of blogs.
ReplyDeleteBut I have always considered the blogger-bloggee relationship to be more tenuous than a simple writer-responder pen-friendship. You see the truth is, I absolutely love reading your blog (& a few select others), but I feel like a complete stalker so I rarely post a reply. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? And then there is also my bloggee insecurity that as I'm basking in the glow of your eloquent thoughts, it dawns on me that anything I may try to add would sound pithy in comparison.
So let me say this: Sorry for not expressing my appreciation for all your awesomeness and Thank You for expressing your awesomeness in the blogosphere.
My hope is that you keep on keeping on!
In return, I will endeavour to walk a mile in one of your 105+ shoes & reply more often to show my appreciation for your hard work!
I'm more on your side of the fence. The reason for blogging in general seems to be more focused on making money from blogs.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog - I know I've missed posts, not just yours but many. I tried doing a net detox to focus on real life more, which feels good, but I do come back. It's my show-and-tell and I need it, a window of opportunity as well, for what, I don't know - making friends, finding out new and weird stuff, being connected...
Your blog posts are always entertaining and well written, your style is so cool, your shoes are amazing. I get it if you don't want to keep going. When I'm on the brink of closing shop I always get some last-minute idea for a post. Maybe that will keep you going...?
Yes, I am so helpful. Pffft.
I totally enjoy reading what others write! I enjoy writing for others to read as well. Yes, some of the stuff that I read and write are sort of bleh and unworthy of anyone's attention. But every now and then you stumble upon a gem of a post...like this one... that gets you thinking. And every now and then, I even write a post that is thought-provoking and makes me feel, well, a little more purposeful in my life and my blogging. So if it carries any weight at all, I read what you write. So there's one.
ReplyDeleteShelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I just wanted to let you know that I love this post so much that I have featured it on my most recent installment of Little Bits of Inspiration! Thanks for inspiring!
DeleteShelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com/little-bits-of-inspiration-10/
I'll come right out and confess that I've permanently removed from my list, those who use their blogs as lookbooks. There. I've come clean. And I really don't quite care. I've never had much use for pretty pictures since they're a dime a dozen. I hunt for blogs, like yours, which make me (in turn) nod my head in agreement or emit snorts of utter dissension. Either way, I live for posts which make me ponder, dissect, conclude. And it is my sincere hope that you will never stop writing. I can do without the shoes (I can't believe that I, owner of 567 pairs, am actually saying that) but the world would be so dull and cookie cutter without the original thoughts and opinions of interesting minds such as yours.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, the number of shoes you have tells me that we're going to be friends!
ReplyDeleteThis post is so relevant to me right now. I blogged years ago and quit because frankly I got burned out. What started for fun turned into blogging for money and blah, it slowly fizzled out. Now I'm back and want to blog for fun. I want to find people who actually want to read unique content. So I absolutely feel you on this post.
You have a new fan. Don't stop writing!